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Amtrak City of New Orleans train tickets—Search & book deals

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About Amtrak City of New Orleans

The City of New Orleans is a passenger train service operated by Amtrak that connects Chicago with New Orleans, by way of Memphis. As the average one-way start-to-end journey takes about 19 hours and 30 minutes, there is only one trip per day in either direction. Along the way, the train stops at 20 cities, including Champaign, IL, Fulton, KY, and Jackson, MS. In New Orleans, you can transfer to Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service that travels west to Los Angeles. Depending on your departure city and final destination, in addition to how far in advance you book your ticket, ticket prices for the City of New Orleans train can vary from SEK 59.46 to SEK 9,008.89.

To take advantage of the scenic views that surround the train as it cuts through some of America’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, the City of New Orleans train comes equipped with a Sightseer Lounge that features panoramic windows, allowing passengers to take in the beauty of the passing scenery.

The City of New Orleans train first started running back in 1947. It was part of the Illinois Central Railroad until 1971 when Amtrak took over. This is the only Amtrak route that serves the state of Kentucky.

Contact Amtrak City of New Orleans

Phone number:
1 (800) 872-7245

Amtrak City of New Orleans Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Toilet
  • Extra legroom
  • Loyalty rewards
  • Power points
  • Snacks

Quickview

Amtrak City of New Orleans train coverage

Daily Trips
48
stations
20
cities
20
countries
1
  • United States

What travellers are saying about Amtrak City of New Orleans

Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Amtrak City of New Orleans had to say about their travel experience.

Travelling During COVID-19

  • “They took COVID safety precautions seriously.”
    93%

Onboard Experience

  • “I’ll travel with them again just for the staff!”
    88%
  • “Really cheap tickets and really good service.”
    94%
  • “The train got there on time.”
    93%
  • “Seats were really comfy and spacious”
    91%
  • “The train was almost suspiciously clean”
    92%

Amtrak City of New Orleans reviews from Wanderu customers

Overall review score for Amtrak City of New Orleans Based on 177 reviews

4.8

Ratings (Out of 5)

Comfort
Timeliness
Staff
Value

Amtrak City of New Orleans passenger reviews

  • Jasmyne5 October 2026Memphis – Jackson

    Tips Bring a blanket and a pillow for really long trips

  • Savannah30 August 2026New Orleans – Hammond

    Pros The few workers I saw were very friendly. The seats were comfortable. Clean. Took a little longer than expected. Cons Maybe the timing. Tips The seats do lay back and you can bring the leg-rest up.

  • Samorra1 August 2026Jackson – Chicago

    Pros The people were nice, peaceful, and cool. The staff are very helpful also friendly. Cons The cushion for the seats just my opinion, it’s very spacious just leather seating for long rides could make it uncomfortable. Tips Stay respectful and continue to enjoy life and the nice enjoyable ride.

  • Jacqueline26 July 2026New Orleans – Jackson

    Pros Everything Cons N/A Tips Be ready for comfort and fun

  • Rosalind27 June 2026Champaign – Chicago

    Pros The scenery along the way. Cons Being on time. Tips Take Amtrak rather than bus.

Amtrak City of New Orleans Routes & Network

Amtrak City of New Orleans’s train network features 146 train routes that connect 20 cities serving 20 stations. On average, Amtrak City of New Orleans performs about 48 train trips every day. The top cities to which Amtrak City of New Orleans offers the highest number of daily train service include Chicago and New Orleans.

Top Cities Served by Amtrak City of New Orleans
CityDaily TripsEarliest trainLatest train
Chicago130:2822:45
New Orleans60:0123:36
Champaign53:1822:45
Jackson30:0123:36
Memphis31:5422:55
Carbondale40:5223:36
Greenwood10:0122:55
Hammond26:5522:55
Mattoon13:1822:55

Amtrak City of New Orleans Cancellation Policy

All Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:

Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.

Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.

Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

If your Amtrak City of New Orleans ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.

Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.

Amtrak City of New Orleans Baggage Policy

Hand Luggage

  • One (1) personal item – max. weight: 25 lbs (12 kg), max. dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 in (35 x 28 x 18 cm)

  • Two (2) cabin bags – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 28 x 22 x 14 in (71 x 56 x 35 cm)

Additional Hand Luggage Rules:

  • Pushchairs and car seats do not count toward the hand luggage limit.

  • Overweight bags must be repacked so they are under 50 lbs. Boxes may be purchased at staffed stations to aid in repacking.

  • A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each cabin bag and personal item above the quantity and size limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger.

Checked Baggage

  • Two (2) items for free – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 75 in / 191 cm (length + width + height)

  • Up to two (2) additional items: $20 fee per item

  • Oversized baggage (76-100 inches total): $20 fee per item

Not all Amtrak City of New Orleans routes offer checked baggage service. Check ahead before travelling.

Additional Checked Baggage Rules:

  • Your luggage should be checked at least 45 minutes before the train departs.

  • ID tags are required for all luggage.

  • All luggage must be in containers that are suitable for transport (storage tubs and plastic bags are not allowed).

Special Items

  • Bicycles up to 50 lbs (23 kg) may be checked for $20.

  • Folding bikes (max 34 x 15.5 x 48 inches / 86 x 39 x 122 cm) can be carried on board for free.

  • Skis & snowboards count as checked baggage if under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (191 cm).

  • Wheelchairs, walkers, and CPAP machines can be brought onboard for free.

For more information, check out Amtrak's Baggage Policy page.

Amtrak City of New Orleans Train Guide & FAQs

No, unfortunately Amtrak City of New Orleans does not offer WiFi aboard its trains at this time. However, we find that a good book makes the time fly by and streaming services like Netflix allow you to download TV shows and films that you can then watch during your trip. Plan ahead and you will stay entertained during the entire train ride.

Yes, there are power sockets onboard Amtrak City of New Orleans trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbour might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power sockets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.

Since Amtrak City of New Orleans might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.

On a typical day, Amtrak City of New Orleans has 48 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.

No, Amtrak City of New Orleans does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.

Yes, Amtrak City of New Orleans requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.

Yes, there are bathrooms on Amtrak City of New Orleans trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.

Amtrak City of New Orleans provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.

Amtrak City of New Orleans does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you by email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.

Amtrak City of New Orleans goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.

Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak City of New Orleans offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.

Yes, Amtrak City of New Orleans allows minors 13-16 years of age to travel unaccompanied, with restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.

Tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling Amtrak at +1 (800) 872-7245.

Cheap Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets recently found on Wanderu

With 48 trips per day on Amtrak City of New Orleans, there are a lot of great deals to uncover for the bargain hunter, and Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets start at just SEK 59.46. Check out some of the latest and greatest deals snatched up by Wanderu users.

How do I get the best deal on Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets?

Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets. Wanderu offers the lowest available fares every day and charges no extra booking fees. Plus, you can compare Amtrak City of New Orleans prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!

Pro travellers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by travelling on weekdays instead of weekends.

When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best coach and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.

More transport options

Top Amtrak City of New Orleans Routes

Top Amtrak City of New Orleans Destinations

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